Out of the past 5/9/12

25 years ago: May 9, 1987

Dr. Allan W. Ostar, president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, speaks to nearly 800 undergraduate students at Southeast Missouri State University's commencement exercises at Houck Stadium.

Cathy Baker of Cape Girardeau has proposed that the city consider providing a skateboard park for youngsters; she suggests that the southwest portion of Cherokee Park be used as a "skate-a-rena."

50 years ago: May 9, 1962

The first winner in the Cape Girardeau County farm pasture contest is Raymond Rampley of the Brennecke farm, four miles west of Jackson; the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and the University Extension Center in Jackson are sponsors of the contest.

The Courthouse Park fountain, which was rededicated last Fourth of July but has been dry since late last year, will soon bubble once more; the faulty overflow condition that caused the water to be turned off is being fixed; the fountain should be turned on early next week.

75 years ago: May 9, 1937

The lot next to the present church site has been purchased by the board of Maple Avenue Methodist Church; it faces Ellis Street and lies directly north of the church; the congregation plans to build a new church on the enlarged site, but not immediately.

Prospects of a great tabernacle meeting here in the fall have brightened with the receipt of a letter from singer Homer Rodeheaver, who was here with the Billy Sunday party years ago; Rodeheaver wrote he would be pleased to appear here with Dr. C. Oscar Johnson, if it can be arranged.

100 years ago: May 9, 1912

The steamer Gray Eagle went up river yesterday afternoon from Paducah, Ky., to St. Louis to enter the excursion business for the season; the boat has been painted snow white.

Tomorrow will see the start of the big high school meet, which is always a popular affair in Cape Girardeau, with young athletes and orators coming from 46 schools in 17 counties.

-- Sharon K. Sanders